I'M KALLIOPI JOHNSON
WELCOME TO MY SACRED SPACE.
I am a professional artist, mother, wife, instructor, and owner of Paint with Kalli.
Originally from Greece, I’ve called Australia home for over a decade. My love for art began as a child and has guided me ever since, shaping the way I see the world and how I express myself.
My work invites the viewer to pause and connect with something deeper, to experience not only what is seen but what is felt. These paintings are visual prayers—honest, emotive, and rooted in the sacred. Through them, I hope to create space for contemplation and connection, offering moments of stillness, wonder, and soul-searching. At its heart, my art is a dialogue between the seen and unseen, the earthly and the eternal. It is shaped by curiosity, grounded in faith, and open to mystery.
“I paint beauty as a reflection of the Artist of life.My work is born from wonder—each brushstroke an offering, each colour a dialogue with the Creator who first painted the world into being. Through my art, I seek to echo that divine beauty, inviting others to pause, to feel, and to glimpse the sacred woven into everyday moments. Painting, for me, is not just expression, but a way of honouring the One who inspires all creation.”
Kalliopi Johnson
Visual Artist, Founder of Paint with Kalli
The Beginning
My art journey truly began when I was a teenager. At 15, I started exploring charcoal, pencil, and acrylics, taking evening classes after school and practicing constantly at home. I was determined to grow my skills, expand my techniques, and understand the language of art.
When I was 18, my family and I moved to Australia. Eager to keep pursuing my dream, I enrolled at Kingswood TAFE and completed both a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts. During my studies, I was honoured with the 2014 International Student Excellence Award—an achievement that encouraged me to continue building my artistic path.
My early body of work focused on painting and printmaking. One of my most memorable projects was a series of 40 small self-portraits, each capturing the feeling of being confined and yearning for freedom. I also created a large connected print that depicted the energy and movement of a wave—my first experiment with storytelling through multiple pieces coming together.
In the studio
These days, you’ll usually find me immersed in my studio—exploring reflections, light, shadow, and colour through mixed media.
My mediums include charcoal,pencil, oil, acrylic paint, and ink. Whether I’m working on portraits, landscapes, still life, or animals, my goal is always the same: to capture beauty and express emotion in a way that connects with others.
Paint with Kalli
Alongside creating, I’m also the founder of Paint with Kalli. Through my workshops, I share the joy of painting with people of all ages and backgrounds. My mission is simple: to create a welcoming, relaxed space where anyone—no matter their experience—can enjoy art. Forget talent—it’s all about the fun, the laughter, and the joy of colour!
My dream is to one day have a cozy hub for workshops and creative gatherings, a space where people can come together, paint freely, and spark their imagination.
Life beyond the canvas
I live in sunny Sydney with my husband Peter and our two young boys. Life is busy, colourful, and full of adventures—whether we’re exploring the beauty of Australia or dreaming of travels abroad.
